SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 2801

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Background: A law enacted in 2002 required each school district, by August 1, 2003, to adopt a policy prohibiting harassment, intimidation, or bullying of any student. Harassment, intimidation, or bullying was originally defined to include any intentional written, verbal, or physical act that: (1) physically harms a student or damages a student's property; (2) has the effect of substantially interfering with a student's education; (3) is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; or (4) has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school. The original legislation also required the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to develop a model prevention policy and training materials to assist school districts and make these available in a variety of ways. Although not required under the law, OSPI also developed a model procedure for how school districts could address alleged or known acts that violated the policy.

In 2007 the law was expanded to include electronic acts, and the Washington State School Directors Association (WSSDA) was directed to develop a model policy and sample materials prohibiting acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying conducted via electronic means by a student while on school grounds and during the school day. School district boards of directors were directed to establish such a policy by August 1, 2008.

Summary of Bill: OSPI, in consultation with OEO and other interested parties, must revise and update the model harassment, intimidation, and bullying prevention policy and procedure by August 1, 2010. If the 2011 Legislature takes no action, OSPI must provide the updated model policy and procedure, together with training materials, to school districts and educational service districts. OSPI is also tasked with adopting rules regarding district communication of the policy and procedure to parents, students, employees, and volunteers. By August 1, 2011, school districts must adopt or amend their policies to, at a minimum, incorporate OSPI's model policy and procedure. Each district must also designate one person as the primary contact regarding the policy. The primary contact receives copies of all formal and informal complaints, has responsibility for assuring implementation of the policy and procedure, and serves as primary liaison with OSPI and OEO.

OEO is designated as the lead agency to provide resources and tools to parents and families about anti-harassment policies and strategies. OEO and OSPI convene an ongoing anti-harassment work group to develop, recommend, and implement strategies to improve school climate and create respectful learning environments in public schools. Work group tasks include: (1) considering whether additional disaggregated data should be collected regarding incidents of harassment or disciplinary actions; (2) examining possible procedures for anonymous reporting; (3) identifying curriculum and best practices for school districts to improve school climate and inform and involve parents; and (4) recommending training for primary contacts in school districts.

Biennial reports to the Governor and the education committees of the Legislature are required beginning December 1, 2011.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Bullying in public schools continues despite current laws. There is a lack of safety and intervention on campus when bullying occurs. While a school may have stellar academics, it may not be a safe place for students. This bill is good because it provides mechanisms for accountability and provides standards to follow. These procedures would be made available to parents so that they are provided with resources and direction if bullying occurs so that parents are not discounted, ignored, and rushed off. It would be helpful to add a manner by which a parent or student can anonymously report bullying. Another helpful addition would be staff training so that teachers understand the impact of repeated bullying.

There tends to be a lack of understanding at schools as to what should be done when bullying occurs. It is necessary for schools to implement a plan so that everyone is clear about what should occur.

Astonishingly, 45 percent of all teachers have admitted to bullying students according to a study that was conducted. Bullying starts at the top and works its way down.

This bill should be amended to provide safety nets, policies, and procedures for the bullying of adults. Many times, adults are bullied by other adults in public schools. We cannot have safe schools for children and not make the school safe for adults.